Poor Air Quality in Tampa Bay Expected to Improve by Tuesday

Poor air quality conditions are expected to persist in Tampa Bay on Monday following New Year’s Eve fireworks and patchy fog. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, much of the Florida peninsula is currently experiencing “unhealthy” air quality levels.

Individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, while everyone else is encouraged to engage in less strenuous activities if outdoors. The air quality index in Florida has surpassed 151, indicating unhealthy conditions.

The National Weather Service has noted an increase in moisture near the Earth’s surface, combined with fireworks smoke, leading to the potential for patchy fog. Forecasters anticipate the fog to dissipate throughout Monday, with air quality conditions expected to improve by Tuesday.

In 2023, smoke from Canadian wildfires affected much of the eastern U.S., causing symptoms such as itchy eyes, congestion, and difficulty breathing in sensitive individuals. Dr. Mona Mangat, a specialist with Bay Area Allergy and Asthma, explained that the small molecules in smoke can enter through the eyes, nasal passages, and lungs, impacting those with underlying respiratory or cardiac conditions more severely.